18 May 2013

Jewellery Care

Jewellery Care

   
 
A piece of jewellery bought once is forever. To keep its beauty, sheen and value eternal here are some essential tips.

Gold and diamond jewellery care
Diamond is the hardest substance known to man. Although diamond is incredibly durable, a strong blow to an edge can still chip it. Never wear your diamond while doing rough work. Gold jewellery comes in various carats but the procedure to clean it remains the same.
- Soap can cause a film to form on gold jewellery, making it appear dull and dingy so remove all gold jewellery before shower or cleaning.
- To clean your jewellery at home, you'll find many commercial cleaners available. You can also use a soft chamois cloth. Ask your jewellers to recommend both of these items for you.
- Chlorine, especially at high temperatures, can permanently damage or discolor your gold and diamond jewellery. Do not wear gold or diamond jewellery while using chlorine bleach, in a pool or in hot tub bath.
- You can remove tarnish by using soap and water mixed with a few drops of ammonia. Carefully brush with a soft bristle brush. After brushing, simply rinse with lukewarm water and allow it to dry. Consult with your jeweller for more information.
- Grease can be removed from gold jewellery by dipping the jewellery into plain alcohol. Again, check with your jeweller about colored gemstone.
- Clean your diamonds regularly using a mix of water and mild detergent. Dip the jewellery into the solution and use a soft brush to wipe dust or dirt under the setting.
- Avoid touching your clean diamonds with your fingers. Handle clean jewellery by its edges.

Colored Gemstone Care
There are some general care and cleaning rules that apply to all colored gemstone jewellery.
- After wearing, wipe your precious gemstone jewellery thoroughly with a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth. This will enhance the gemstone's luster and ensure that your jewellery is clean before storage.
- Store gemstone pieces individually in soft pouches given by your jeweller.
- Do not expose your precious gemstone pieces to salt water or harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or detergents. These chemicals may slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones.
- Hair spray, perfume and perspiration may cause jewellery to become dull. Wear jewellery after applying cosmetics.
- Do not subject gemstone jewellery to sudden temperature changes.
- If you have an active lifestyle takes extra precautions with particular type of gemstone jewellery. For example Emeralds, are brittle and should not be worn while doing household chores or any other activity where the stone could be damaged.
-
 

Rings
Rings if worn regularly, needs a periodic cleaning to remove the film caused by cosmetics, soap and skin oil. Remove rings before routine household chores and clean rings regularly.

Gold is a soft metal; any contact with another hard substance can make its luster dull. Always store your jewellery safely. Wrap it in soft cloth, so it does not scratch or tangle.

There is no harm in wearing jewellery while having a bath but it leaves your gold dull due to the thin film caused due to ordinary soap and water.

It is advisable to keep your jewellery away from make-ups, moisture perfumes, hair spray etc. After completing the make-up, wash your hands and put on the jewellery.

"Prongs" which holds the diamond in all kind of jewellery are very small in size. Due to this any heavy physical work, which may lead to contact with any hard substance, can make your diamonds or studded gemstone come off, so it is advisable not to wear your jewellery while doing housework as any abrasive object could damage its surface.

Activity that might subject a gemstone to sharp blows such as gardening, working with hand tools, or playing sports may also damage a gemstone. Diamonds are also susceptible to damage from an impact, which might cause them to chip or crack.

Chemicals present in either may cause damage, especially to cultured pearls. Wipe your pearls with a soft clean cloth every time you wear to remove your skin's oils and salts.

Home Jewellery Cleaner
A solution of one part mild detergent and three parts water is also effective for many jewellery cleaning needs. Dry the jewellery with a clean towel. This method of cleaning is especially desirable for precious stones like alexandrite, amethyst, andalusite, aquamarine, citrine, diamond, garnet, iolite, moonstone, ruby, sapphire, spinel, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, and zircon.

Although soap and water is the best choice for most gems and jewellery, do not use soap and water with precious stones like amber, coral, emerald, jade, kunzite, lapis lazuli, opal, pearl, or turquoise. Never use toothpaste to clean your jewellery.

Storage
Protect your jewellery when it is not being worn by separating it from other jewellery, using a separate compartment in your jewellery box. Gems and gem quality items if improperly stored can cause damage to each other. Diamonds, for example, may scratch rubies, sapphires, or emeralds. To be on the safe side, be sure that gemstones and other jewellery do not touch each other. Cultured pearls need special care because of their softness. Clean and dry the pearls prior to storing them in a special chamois pouch safe from potential harm.

Precaution
We recommend that your fine jewellery be examined and cleaned once every 6 months.
   SOURCE : FOREVER JEWELLERY

No comments: